Lebanese Army Strengthens Border Presence, Removes Hezbollah Posts
ZIBQIN VALLEY, Lebanon — The Lebanese army has significantly expanded its presence along the country’s southern border with Israel, deploying nearly 10,000 troops and dismantling former Hezbollah strongholds in a region long marked by conflict and instability.
On Friday, military officials escorted journalists through the rugged Zibqin Valley—once a strategic hub for Hezbollah operations—where Lebanese soldiers now patrol areas previously controlled by the militant group. The tour revealed abandoned tunnels, rocket launchers, and military posts, some of which have been repurposed or destroyed.
Since a ceasefire halted the 14-month war between Israel and Hezbollah in November 2024, the Lebanese Armed Forces have moved to assert greater control over the border zone south of the Litani River. This area had remained largely inaccessible to both the national army and UN peacekeeping forces during years of Hezbollah dominance.
Key security measures implemented by the army include:
- Closing 11 informal crossing points along the Litani River used for smuggling
- Establishing 200 military posts and 29 fixed checkpoints
- Conducting round-the-clock patrols
- Clearing vast quantities of unexploded ordnance
Brigadier General Nicolas Thabet, who commands army operations in the region, described the effort as “tremendous” and acknowledged the “major sacrifices” made by troops operating in what he called “one of the most dangerous parts of the Middle East.”
The military’s expanded role follows the Lebanese government’s August approval of a U.S.-backed plan to disarm Hezbollah—a proposal the group has rejected. Hezbollah maintains it no longer stations armed personnel south of the Litani River but refuses to discuss comprehensive disarmament while Israel continues to occupy five hilltop positions captured during the war.
According to army officials, Israeli forces have committed 5,198 violations since the ceasefire took effect, including 657 airstrikes that have killed 127 civilians. The conflict has destroyed 13,981 housing units and caused extensive damage to border infrastructure.
In their ongoing security operations, Lebanese troops have discovered 74 tunnels, 175 rocket launchers, and 58 missiles. All weapons seized are either dismantled, detonated, or stored for future use by the military.
The enhanced border presence represents a delicate balancing act for the Lebanese government as it seeks to extend state authority while navigating Hezbollah’s continued political influence and Israel’s persistent security concerns.
Also Read:
May Saw a Two-Year High for Saudi Arabia’s Non-Oil Exports of $7.70 Billion, According to GASTAT.
